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The Honda S2000 AP1 is a beloved sports car known for its high-revving engine and exceptional handling. To maximize performance, especially when tuning the car to handle 280 horsepower, upgrading the suspension and brakes is essential. This article explores the best upgrades to ensure your S2000 can handle the increased power effectively.
Why Upgrade Suspension and Brakes?
Upgrading the suspension and brakes on your S2000 AP1 is crucial for several reasons:
- Improved Handling: Enhanced suspension components provide better grip and stability during high-speed cornering.
- Increased Safety: Upgraded brakes ensure that you can stop effectively, even with increased power.
- Better Ride Quality: Quality suspension upgrades can improve overall ride comfort while maintaining performance.
Top Suspension Upgrades
When it comes to suspension upgrades for the S2000 AP1, several options stand out:
- Coilovers: Brands like BC Racing and KW offer adjustable coilover kits that allow drivers to fine-tune ride height and damping settings.
- Sway Bars: Upgrading to thicker sway bars can reduce body roll and improve cornering performance.
- Strut Tower Braces: Adding a strut tower brace increases chassis rigidity, enhancing handling precision.
- Lowering Springs: If coilovers are not an option, lowering springs can still improve handling by lowering the center of gravity.
Coilover Kits
Coilover kits are one of the best investments for performance enthusiasts. They provide adjustable ride height and damping, allowing for a customized setup based on driving style and conditions. Popular options include:
- BC Racing BR Series: Offers a great balance of performance and comfort.
- KW Variant 3: Known for its superior build quality and adjustability.
- Tein Flex Z: Provides excellent damping adjustment and ride quality.
Sway Bar Upgrades
Upgrading the sway bars can significantly improve the handling characteristics of your S2000. A thicker front sway bar can reduce understeer, while a thicker rear sway bar can help balance the car during cornering.
- Progress Technology Sway Bars: These are popular for their performance-oriented design.
- Whiteline Sway Bars: Known for their adjustability and effectiveness in reducing body roll.
Essential Brake Upgrades
With an increase in horsepower, upgrading the braking system is vital to maintain safety and performance. Consider the following upgrades:
- Big Brake Kits: These kits provide larger rotors and calipers for improved stopping power.
- Performance Brake Pads: Upgrading to high-performance pads can enhance bite and reduce fade.
- Stainless Steel Brake Lines: These lines improve brake feel and reduce expansion under pressure.
Big Brake Kits
Big brake kits are a popular choice for those looking to enhance braking performance significantly. They typically include larger rotors, calipers, and necessary hardware. Some recommended kits include:
- Brembo GT Kits: Renowned for their performance and reliability.
- Wilwood Brake Kits: Offers excellent stopping power with a lightweight design.
Performance Brake Pads
Choosing the right brake pads can make a significant difference in performance. Look for pads that provide excellent bite and heat resistance. Some top choices include:
- EBC Yellowstuff: Offers great performance for street and track use.
- Hawk HP+: Known for their aggressive bite and low fade characteristics.
Conclusion
Upgrading the suspension and brakes on your Honda S2000 AP1 is essential for handling the increased power of 280 hp. By investing in quality components like coilovers, sway bars, big brake kits, and performance pads, you can enhance your driving experience, improve safety, and enjoy the thrill of driving a well-tuned sports car.